Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 54

Kisame and I make our way toward the small village where Naruto is supposed to be. My heart pounds harder with each step closer, but I force myself to remain calm. I can't let Kisame notice anything. My face remains neutral, my movements deliberate and composed, even though turmoil churns within me.

Of course, Jiraiya is already aware of the impending danger—thanks to Yako. I trust that he's prepared and will do everything in his power to protect Naruto. Still, uncertainty lingers over how this encounter will unfold. I must stay in character, show no weakness, no doubt. Kisame is perceptive, and his unwavering loyalty to Akatsuki could quickly become a threat.

The streets of the small village are lively, bustling with people going about their daily lives. We move inconspicuously through the crowd, two strangers in plain cloaks attracting no attention. The cheerful calls of merchants and the laughter of children echo around me, but I hardly hear them. My focus is entirely on our objective: the inn where Naruto is supposed to be staying.

"The Nine-Tails should be here," Kisame mutters beside me, his voice low yet carrying a dangerous edge. I glance at him briefly and give a curt nod without saying a word.

As we enter the inn, the tension within me grows heavier. The air feels dense, almost suffocating, but I force myself to stay calm. We walk through the narrow hallways, Kisame close behind me. I can feel his eyes on my back, but I ignore him, focusing instead on the door at the end of the corridor. That's where Naruto is supposed to be.

My gaze flickers around the surroundings. No sign of Jiraiya. No Yako. That unsettles me more than I'm willing to admit. Yako usually keeps watch, yet now he's staying out of sight. Maybe it's part of the plan, but something about it feels wrong.

I stop in front of the door and turn slightly toward Kisame. "Ready?" I ask, keeping my voice steady despite the racing of my heart.

He grins, his shark-like smile brimming with anticipation. "Always."

Slowly, I place my hand on the door, though inside, I am a storm of emotions. My thoughts race, memories of Naruto and my time in Konoha flooding my mind. But I force myself to calm down. This is no time for weakness—not in front of Kisame, and not in front of Naruto. Taking a deep breath, I push the door open.

Naruto stands in the center of the room, frozen in shock. His blue eyes widen as he recognizes me. For a moment, the world seems to stand still, and all the words I wish I could say to him catch in my throat. But I cannot falter—not now.

"You look stronger than before, Naruto," I say calmly, my voice cool and controlled. "Come with us."

Without waiting for a response, I turn and walk back into the hallway, not saying another word. Kisame watches me from the corner of his eye, his grin unwavering, though I can feel his curiosity. With each step I take, the tension thickens. Just as I anticipated, Naruto bursts out of the room behind me, his footsteps echoing in the narrow corridor.

"What are you doing here, sis?" His voice is loud, brimming with energy—but also pain. "Why did you betray the village?"

His words hit me like a blow, but I force myself to maintain my facade. I stop and slowly turn to face him. His gaze is piercing, filled with questions and anger, but I can still see the little boy I always wanted to protect.

I say nothing. Instead, I move swiftly toward him—faster than he can react. My hand lands gently on his head, and I pat him softly, almost tenderly. His eyes widen in confusion, and for a brief moment, he seems unsure of how to respond. But I use that fleeting moment.

"Finally," I think to myself, "finally, I can do what I've longed to do for so long."

As my hand rests on his head, I activate my Sharingan. The world around us blurs, and suddenly, I find myself standing before an immense presence. The Nine-Tails looms before me, its crimson eyes glowing with fury and overwhelming power. Its massive body radiates raw energy, and a deep growl reverberates through the air, shaking the very ground beneath me.